Construction of buffing wheels



y 3, 1951 H. H. BAHR 2,559,385

CONSTRUCTION OF BUFFING WHEELS Filed June 22, 1948 IN VEN TOR. Hewe H 84M Patented July 3, 1951 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE Guaranteed Buff Co. corporation of New Y Inc., New York, N. Y., a ork Application June 22, 1948, Serial No. 34,574

6 Claims.

The present invention is directed to buffing wheels, more particularly to a novel construc-- tion whereby improved characteristics are obtained There have been a number of types of buffing wheels on the market for a considerable number of years. They embodied fabric which was held on a rim. the latter being mounted on a suitable shaft. Among such devices was one in which the fabric consisted of a cylindrical roll of a suitable fabric, which roll was folded on itself to give a double thickness. The roll was flattened into a wheel-like form in such manner that the folded end of said roll became located at the hub of said wheel. A clamping device such as a pair of disks was pressed or otherwise held onto the central part of the wheel to hold the same in position and to form a support for mounting on a shaft. This structure was obtained by first compressing the flattened roll and then mounting the disks on the compressed material. Such a construction had a number of disadvantages in that it was first necessary to exert heavy pressure on the flattened roll, requiring additional operations and relatively expensive equipment. The final product, while having a periphery suitable to accomplish the desired bufling, was harder and denser at the inner portions thereof so that such inner portions showed bufiing characteristics largely different from those at the periphery. As a result, long before the fabric was completely worn down, it was often necessary to discard the buffing wheel and as much as onethird of the fabric was thus wasted.

The present invention is intended and adapted to overcome the difficulties and disadvantages inherent in prior structures of the type described, it being among the objects thereof to provide a bufiing wheel wherein the fabric portion is held loosely enough throughout its entire area so as to provide a more uniformly soft buffing surface and is usable to practically the inner end of the fabric.

It is also among the objects of the present invention to provide a buiiing wheel which is selfcooling and which in its operation induces a current of air to prevent the fabric from deteriorating by dissipating frictional heat and also by keeping the work cool.

It is further among the objects of the present invention to provide a buffing wheel structure which is simple, inexpensive to produce, sturdy in operation and which automatically balances the wheel.

In practicing the present invention, there is provided a cylindrical roll of fabric folded on itself as in prior structures of this type. There are inserted into the fold at one end of the cylindrical roll suitable metal pieces which have a number of functions, one of which is to produce a sinuous form or series of folds or pleats in the central portion of the fabric after the wheel has been formed. In some cases, there is a single metal piece or ring accomplishing this result, and in other cases, there are a plurality of metal pieces, usually of T-shape, held within the doubled-up portion of the roll, extending through slots at the fold and being anchored in a suitable base. In another form of the invention, the cylindrical roll is of relatively small size and a pair or more of such T-shaped metal pieces inserted therein and anchored in the base. In this embodiment, a plurality of such cylindrical rolls are distributed over the entire periphery of the base to form a complete buffing wheel.

In the accompanying drawing constituting a part hereof and in which like reference characters indicate like parts,

Fig. 1 is a fragmentary, perspective view of a bufling wheel made in accordance with the present invention, there being shown only a portion of the flattened cylindrical fabric roll;

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of such a cylindrical roll, some parts being broken away for clearness:

Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 3-3 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary view of a modified form of base, showing a rim and cooperating disk;

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary top plan view of an assembly such as shown in Fig. 4;

Fig. 6, is a fragmentary perspective view of a modified form of buffing wheel made in accordance with the present invention;

Fig. '7 is an elevational view of a modified form of T shaped member;

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary perspective view of a base in the form of a disk, showing a varied form of anchoring means for the T-shaped pieces;

F'ig. 9 is a perspective view of a still further modification of the invention; and

Figs. 10 and 11 are front and side elevational views of av modified form of metal piece.

Referring to Figs. 1, 2 and 3, the base consists of a hub or rim. l which may be mounted by any suitable means. not shown, on a shaft. The rim has a series of suitably spaced slots 2 along the periphery thereof, said slots being at any angle to the edge of the rim. A. roll consisting of a plurality of layers 4 of fabric 3 cut on the bias is doubled. up or folded on itself along its central periphery resulting in a double number of thicknesses of the fabric.

Slits or slots 6 are formed in fold 5 and T-shaped metal pieces fitted therein. The cross bar I of each piece is held within fold 5 and leg 8 extends through slit 6, thus anchoring the metal piece in the fabric. An extension 3, narrower than leg 8, extends through slot 2 and the shoulder between 8 and 8 retains the metal piece in its proper relative position to the base. End 9 is folded. over as shown in Fig. 1, thus securin the metal piece firmly in position. A line of stitching It is provided near folded edge 5 just above the metal pieces to retain the fabric in its proper position and to prevent accidental displacement of the metal pieces.

In mounting the roll of Fig. 2 upon rim I, the

roll is formed into a wheel so that the metal pieces are on the inside edge 5 of the wheel and a number of folds or pleats I I are thus produced. The mounting of the roll on the rim provides a space [2 between the rim and fold 5. This allows air to be freely drawn into the lower end of the buffing wheel and in the rotation thereof the air is forced readily outward along folds ll, thus keeping the fabric cool at all times. The exposed portion of legs 8 of the metal pieces provides a fan-like effect and improves the circulation of air through the fabric.

With reference to Figs. 4 and 5, the rim I is provided with a series of lateral extensions [3 and M on both sides thereof. There is also provided a pair of disks i5 and i6 having openings ll near the periphery thereof, matching projections i3 and M. A central opening 18 in each disk provides means for mounting the same on a shaft. The assembled base is provided by fitting disks I5 and it onto projections I3 and I l and then upsetting said projections to anchor the parts to gether as a single unit.

In the modification shown in Fig. 6, the roll of fabric [3, omits the metal pieces I, the slits B and rim. A roll is formed, a wire or other ring 2! of the same diameter as the roll, is placed thereon at the center periphery, and the roll is folded at 20 over said ring, so that the two portions 22 and 23 of the roll are in contact and a line of stitching 24 made so as to retain ring 2| in position. Then the ring is folded together with the fabric to form a wheel having a series of pleats and such form is retained because of the wire stiffening therein. The wire is of a suitable material so as to allow the bending thereof to the desired form. The buffing fabric may be mounted on a suitable base, as for example, by clampin a pair of disks i5 and I6 suitably modified, onto the central portion thereof or by anchoring ring 2! to a suitable base. In Fig. '7 there is shown a T-shaped piece haV ing a crossbar 25 and openings 2'! therein. Said openings may receive rivets or the like passing through the fabric and anchoring the same to bar 26, or Wires, pins or the like may pass through the same for a similar purpose. The downwardly extending leg is split to form two portions 28 and 29 provided near the lower end thereof with notches 30 and 3 l, respectively. A circular recess 32 is formed at the split portion and an eyelet 33 is adapted to be inserted therein. This T-shaped piece is fitted into a slot 2 or 2' and by the springiness of the portions 28 and 29, enters said slot until notches 30 and 3| spring against the end walls of said slot. Then eyelet 33 is inserted in'opening 32 to retain the metal piece in 4 its spread position and so prevent accidental displacement.

In the modification shown in Fig. 8, the base consists of a disk 34 having a series of slots 35 near the periphery thereof. The T-shaped metal pieces have the ends 9 thereof bent at approximately right angles to the body, said ends being inserted in slots 35 and bent upwardly to lock the metal pieces in place. Portions 8' of the metal pieces may be twisted so that they are at an angle to the plane of disk 34, if desired.

Referring to Fig.3, a relatively small roll of fabric 36 similar to that shown in Fig. 2 is provided. Two T-shaped metal pieces 8 are inserted therein at diametrically opposite points.

Such a roll without being flattened, is mounted on a rim such as I by inserting the pair of extensions 8 into adjacent slots and bending ends 9 as heretofore described. Similar rolls are mounted in pairs of slots all around rim I. In this embodiment, the passage of air is greatly facilitated in that air may flow not only over the surface of the cylinder but into and through the central portion thereof.

In Figs. 10 and 11 are shown a modified form of metal piece I in which a tongue or tab 40 is partially punched in part 8 thereof. After the piece is inserted in a slot of rim I, the tongue is displaced to anchor the piece.

Although the invention has been described setting forth several specific embodiments thereof, the invention is subject to numerous other variations within the principles herein set forth. Instead of stitching, one may use riveting or stapling. The metal pieces, such as of Fig. '7, may be used with other constructions of buffing wheels to retain the fabric in position. The form and character of the bases used may be varied from those illustrated herein. In Fig. 9, two or more metal pieces may be inserted in the roll, and said pieces twisted to provide S-shaped folds or pleats in the fabric. also be formed. The form and dimensions of the several elements may be changed to suit the individual design desired. The fabric may be of textile material, metal, glass, or synthetic fibre.

These and other changes may bemade within the spirit of the invention, which is to be broadly construed and not to be limited except by the character of the claims appended hereto.

I claim: 7

1. A buffing wheel comprising a hub member having a circular periphery and having a plurality of slots adjacent said periphery, a plurality of helically wound fiattenedrolls of fabric attached to said hub, each said roll being formed of a strip of bias cut fabric folded upon itself along a medial line and having a plurality of perforations through said fabric at said medial line, generally T-shaped flat members, each member having a cross bar and a leg depending therefrom, the leg of said T passing through said perforations and said cross bar anchored in said slots in said hub, the inner edge of said fabric being spaced from said periphery, the cross bars of said T-shaped members being spaced apart at said medial line to partly support said fabric, said fabric being arranged in radial sinuous folds with a fold between adjacent T-shaped members, each said roll occupying a relatively small are about said hub.

2. A bufling wheel comprising a hub member having a circular periphery and having a plurality of slots adjacent said periphery, a plurality of helically wound flattened rolls of fabric at- Other shapes of folds may 7 tached to said hub, each said roll being formed of a strip of bias cut fabric folded upon itself along a medial line and having a plurality of perforations through said fabric at said medial line, generally T-shaped flat members, each member having a cross bar and a leg depending therefrom, the leg of said T passing through said perforations and said cross bar anchored in said slots in said hub, the inner edge of said fabric being spaced from said periphery, the cross bars of said T-shaped members being spaced apart at said medial line to partly support said fabric and the plane thereof being at an angle to the plane normal to the axis of rotation of said Wheel, said fabric being arranged in radial sinuous folds with a fold between adjacent T-shaped members, each said roll occupying a relatively small are about said hub.

3. A bufling wheel comprising a hub member having a circular periphery and having a plurality of slots adjacent said periphery, at least one helically wound flattened roll of fabric attached to said hub, said roll being formed of a strip of bias cut fabric folded upon itself along a medial line and having a plurality of perforations through said fabric at said medial line, generally T-shaped flat members, each member having a cross bar and a leg depending therefrom the leg of said T passing through said perforations and said cross bar anchored in said slots in said hub, the inner edge of said fabric being spaced from said periphery, the cross bars of said T-shaped members being spaced apart at said medial line to partly support said fabric, the relative positions of said T-shaped members and said periphery being such that said fabric forms a radial fold between adjacent members to permit air to flow radially therethrough.

4. A buffing wheel comprising a hub member having a circular periphery and having a plurality of slots adjacent said periphery, a helically Wound flattened roll of fabric attached to said hub, said roll being formed of a strip of bias cut fabric folded upon itself along a medial line and having a plurality of perforations through said fabric at said medial line, generally T-shaped flat members, each member having a cross bar and a leg depending therefrom, the leg of said T passing through said perforations and said cross bar anchored in said slots in said hub, the inner edge of said fabric being spaced from said periphery, the cross bars of said T-shaped members being spaced apart at said medial line to partly support said fabric, the plane passing through said cross bar being at a substantial angle to the plane at right angles to the axis of said hub, said fabric forming a radial fold between adjacent T-shaped members to permit air to flow radially therethrough, said roll being flattened into an annular sinuous disk arranged about the entire periphery of said hub.

5. A buffing wheel comprising a hub member having a circular periphery and having a plurality of slots adjacent said periphery, a helically Wound flattened roll of fabric attached to said hub, said roll being formed of a strip of bias cut fabric folded upon itself along a medial line and having a plurality of perforations through said fabric at said medial line, generally T-shaped flat members, each member having a cross bar and a leg depending therefrom, the leg of said T passing through said perforations and said cross bar anchored in said slots in said hub, the inner edge of said fabric being spaced from said periphery, the cross bars of said T-shaped members being spaced apart at said medial line to partly support said fabric, the plane passing through said cross bar being at a substantial angle to the plane at right angles to the axis of said hub, said fabric forming a radial fold between adjacent T-shaped members to permit air to flow radially therethrough, said roll being flattened into an annular sinuous disk arranged about the entire periphery of said hub, said hub being a disk normal to the axis of rotation of said wheel.

6. A bufiing wheel comprising a hub member having a circular periphery and having a plurality of slots adjacent said periphery, a helically wound flattened roll of fabric attached to said hub, said roll being formed of a strip of bias cut fabric folded upon itself along a medial line and having a plurality of perforations through said fabric at said medial line, generally T-shaped flat members, each member having a cross bar and a leg depending therefrom, the leg of said T passing through said perforations and said cross bar anchored in said slots in said hub, the inner edge of said fabric being spaced from said periphery, the cross bars of said T-shaped members being spaced apart at said medial line to partly support said fabric, the plane passing through said cross bar being at a substantial angle to the plane at right angles to the axis of said hub, said fabric forming a radial fold between adjacent T-shaped members to permit air to flow radially therethrough, said slots being in the peripheral edge of said hub.

HENRY H. BAHR.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 735,632 Webster Aug. 4, 1903 1,404,620 Levett Jan. 24, 1922 2,004,623 Yohe June 11, 1935 2,099,777 Thomas Nov. 23, 1937 2,209,089 Peterson et al. July 23, 1940 2,280,399 Garling Apr. 21, 1942 2,290,236 Hall July 21, 1942 

